Finding Love at the Christmas Market by Jo Thomas

Finding Love at the Christmas Market

Jo Thomas

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Cosy up with the new Christmas book from bestselling author Jo Thomas

Residential-home caterer Connie has had one online-dating disaster too many. Hurt in the past and with her son to consider, now she's feeling hesitant. Then one of Connie's residents sets her up on a date at a beautiful German Christmas market - with the promise she'll take a mini-bus full of pensioners with her...

Amongst the twinkling lights and smell of warm gingerbread in the old market square, Connie heads off on her date with a check-list of potential partner must-haves. Baker Henrich ticks all the boxes, but when Connie meets Henrich's rival William, she starts to wonder if ticking boxes is the answer.

Will Connie's wish for love this Christmas come true, and if so - with who?

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I was so looking forward to reading another beautiful novel by Jo Thomas. The cover to this really drew me in and I couldn't wait to get started. I love the beautiful dark sky with twinkling stars and lights strung across the top. The little chalets with more lights looping over the snowy topped roofs. It all looks so magical and inviting and so, so Christmassy!

When I first started reading this, I must admit I was a bit lost and didn't really get into it. I was close to just giving up altogether as there was just so much going on and so many characters to get to know. However, I persevered and carried on reading and by about 25/30% through the book I did start to understand the characters a bit better and the storyline.

The location of the book is absolutely stunning. I love the descriptions that Jo uses, it sounds so idyllic and has made me want to visit a Christmas market in Germany! It was also really interesting reading about the two different towns and their markets. The old pensioners that Jo has included in the story gave it a bit of humour and I also thought that they added warmth to the story as well.

Overall, a nice heartwarming read. I felt a little bit lost in places but it was an easy read in the end. Ended it how I wanted it too anyway! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes by Jessica Redland

Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes

Jessica Redland

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

It's December on Castle Street; the fairy lights are twinkling, snow has settled and the festive season is in full swing.

For Carly, the owner of Carly's Cupcakes, it's the busiest time of year getting everyone's Christmas treats ready on time. However, with her clumsy sister, Bethany, as a co-worker, it's proving a difficult task. They say you shouldn't mix work with family. Maybe they have a point...

As Christmas approaches, Carly is also eagerly awaiting the return of her best friend to Whitborough Bay. Liam has no idea he's been the object of her affection since their schooldays. After years of pining after him, can Carly pluck up the courage to finally tell him how she really feels by 25th December?

Could a little festive magic make all of Carly's wishes come true this Christmas...?

A heartwarming, short festive story of friendship and family from bestseller Jessica Redland. You can finds out what happens to Carly next through exploring her best friend Tara's story in Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Cafe.

This is a new and updated version of Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes which has been previously published.

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I've only read a few novels by this author but this is by far my favourite so far. The last one I read was about Tara and that was so emotionally draining so I was a bit hesitant to read about what will happen in this one. However, this one was a lot happier and more uplifting so I found myself enjoying this one a lot more. The cover is so beautiful, I love the thick snow, colourful lights and of course Carly holding centre stage first-footing in the snow.

In this novel we follow Carly who owns her own Cake Shop - Carly's Cupcakes. She makes cakes come to life and I really enjoyed reading about her designs. She works alongside her sister Bethany who is a really clumsy person and is always destroying Carly's bakes. I did get a bit bored reading about the whole 'failure' thing, but the more I read I kind of just blocked it out and focused on the rest of the story.

I liked the character of Carly, she seemed down to earth and really kind to everyone. Although she was a bit of a pushover when it came to her sister. I loved the cakes she made, the location of the story and all the other third-party characters (apart from Paige of course, if you've read the book, you'll get it!). With regards to Liam, you don't really hear much about him until he comes back for Christmas. I got to about half way through and then the author started mentioning him more but he come across as a really loving guy and I really liked how the author done flashbacks too so we understood the characters and their relationship that little bit more.

Overall, a really lovely novel. Not overly Chrsitmassy but enjoyed reading about the Christmas cakes. It was an easy and heartwarming read. Would definitely recommend. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

A French Affair by Jennifer Bohnet

A French Affair

Jennifer Bohnet

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

What will be will be...

Belinda Marshall's idyllic teenage life in Brittany, France, fell apart when her parents dramatically separated and her mother took her back to England.

Fast forward thirty-five years when Belinda's world is once again turned upside down. It's the week before Christmas and Belinda's employer 'surprises' her by asking for her help to rejuvenate their latest investment, a run-down campsite in Brittany.

Memories and anxieties that had lain dormant for years suddenly begin to resurface. As secrets from a lost life threaten to overwhelm her, there is a realisation that maybe she wasn't told the whole truth by her mother all those years ago.

Can Belinda reconcile her emotions and find happiness once more in the place she so loved and called home?

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I do quite enjoy Jennifer Bohnet novels so when I saw that her newest one was set in France, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I just really enjoy Jennifer's style of writing. It's quite elegant but also easy to read so you end up flying through the chapters. The cover of this novel is particularly pretty. I adore the bright summery colours, the French stripes and all the beautiful flowers surrounding the edges.

This novel actually follows two different women (although Belinda is the main character overall). We follow Belinda, who has recently had to move to France for a few months to oversee a new glamping site being brought up to her standards, and we also follow Fern who runs an inn (otherwise known in the book as the auberge) in the same town.

Belinda seems to have been through a lot in her past but she seems to be keeping her cards close to her chest as we aren't 100% told what exactly happened in her life has made her dislike being back in France. We are told at the start that it has something to do with her parents so this keeps you on the edge of your seat, dying to know what happened!

With regards to Fern, she is more of an open book. Belinda and Fern meet through Belinda staying at her auberge whilst the living accommodation gets cleaned at the glamping site. She confides in Belinda that her French husband died 18 months earlier due to a drunk driver and due to strict French laws, she cannot sell the inn and move elsewhere so she is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Together the two women become firm friends and their time in France is split between each chapter. Belinda meets (and dislikes) Alain the site manager, but you can tell from the off there are sparks between the two of them. Fern meets an American man whilst out walking her dog and the pair click straight away, but Fern is nervous about meeting new potential partners.

It's a great read with fabulous locations and delicious sounding food and drink. I really clicked with both women despite them being a lot older than me. They are relatable and enjoyable to read about. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Under a Siena Sun by T.A. Williams

Under a Siena Sun

T.A. Williams

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Lucy needed a change of scene. She didn't expect the change of a lifetime.

Doctors Without Borders has been Lucy Young's life for the past four years. After being rescued from a conflict zone, she's making a change from saving lives under gunfire to practising medicine in safe, serene Siena.

Now treating wealthy patients at a private clinic, she's never felt less comfortable. She's used to helping those in dire need - not those in need of a nip and tuck. Her turmoil grows when she encounters injured tennis star David Lorenzo, whose smiles make Lucy forget her aversion to the rich.

She's soon falling for the sportsman but is she losing herself in this world of excess? All she's ever wanted was to help the underprivileged, so can her future lie in Siena at the clinic - with David?

This sunny romance is the perfect summer escape for fans of Lucy Coleman and Alex Brown.

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I love a novel by T.A. Williams. I don't think I've yet to dislike any of his books, and this one is the same. I was so excited when I read that there'd be a new series, this one being the first in the Escape to Tuscany series. The cover is especially summery and looks so beautiful. I love the two coffee cups, bright blue sky and of course the gorgeous view of the town.

This novel started in a very different way to all of T.A. Williams' other books however. We are thrown in the deep end with Lucy as she escapes from a war torn country and to read it, it sounded extremely frightening. When she goes to Italy, it starts getting really interesting and at points I loved reading about the History of the country and separate towns, but as the story went on I got a little bored of reading about it so tended to skip the chapters that was describing the history. 

I did like the character of Lucy, she seemed a really lovely and kind person. She also seemed to have a lot of suitors! And at times, it was quite difficult to figure out just whom she was going to set her eyes on and settle down with. I enjoyed reading about her time in the clinic, but most of the time this novel is set in the town she lives in and in her new home. I also loved the involvement of certain black labradors! I don't think it would be a regular novel of the authors without these loveable dogs. 

Overall, it's an easy read. Not my favourite of T.A Williams as sometimes it could be a bit predictable but still enjoyable all the same. I look forward to reading more novels from this series in the future. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly. 

Sunrise on the Coast by Lilac Mills

Sunrise on the Coast

Lilac Mills

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

When a holiday becomes something more...

Struggling to come to terms with the loss of her mother, Sophie needs to get away from it all. On a much-needed break to Tenerife, she stumbles across a Help Wanted sign for local pensioner, Hugo, and on a leap of faith she accepts the job.

But life on the island isn't all sun, sea and siestas...

Hugo's beautiful villa is under threat and, to complicate matters, his brooding (but handsome) nephew, Alex, has shown up full of suspicion towards Sophie.

Her hands full dealing with difficult men and a clearly unreciprocated attraction towards Alex, Sophie needs to decide if her future lies in Tenerife or if her holiday is officially over.

Escape to a Spanish island with this gorgeously uplifting romance, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Sue Moorcroft and Mandy Baggot.

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I really enjoy Lilac Mills' novels. They're lighthearted and extremely easy to read. I like nothing more than settling down all snuggled up to read one of her books with a cup of coffee! I like the simplicity of this cover, the beautiful sunrise background, the bright blue sea and of course Hugo's gorgeous villa.

This story follows main character Sophie who, after losing her mum, is convinced to go on a holiday. So, she books flights to Tenerife and doesn't look back. Whilst on holiday, she sees an advert for House Help, so on a whim she applies. Sophie gets the job and she soon flies back to Tenerife to start her new temporary job. Sophie and Hugo get on really well and they find themselves easily slotting into a new routine. When Hugo goes in for his hip surgery, his nephew shows up unannounced and is immediately suspicious of Sophie.

Even though the pair are at loggerheads a lot of the time, there's an obvious attraction between them. However, add in an OAP who needs Sophie's help, and a surfer-dude shop worker who is trying to win Sophie's affections, Sophie's 3 months in Tenerife have become much more hectic than she originally planned! The setting sounds glorious and I really enjoyed reading about Sophie's trip to Tenerife.

It's a great read. Really entertaining with some of the author's usual humour added. Quite emotional at the start but got a lot more lighthearted as the novel went on! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Katie's Cornish Kitchen by Rosie Chambers

Katie's Cornish Kitchen

Rosie Chambers

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Kindness, community and cake are all on the menu at Katie's Cornish Kitchen.

After all the heartbreak of being jilted by her fiance, Katie Campbell has been mending her broken heart in Bali. She has local restaurant owner and new friend Agatha to thank for providing a listening ear in her moment of need. When Katie confides she's worried about going back to what's left of her life in London, Agatha has just the opportunity for Katie - to manage her old cafe in the beautiful, picturesque village of Perrinby in Cornwall.

Although reopening the cafe and making it profitable won't be easy, Katie is determined to make the most of her fresh start. She quickly makes new friends in florist Jay, waitress Talia and handsome neighbour Oscar, and focuses on making the cafe a welcoming place for the community - from hosting floristry workshops to pizza-making nights and even the local knit-and-natter group. But, with the cafe under threat from local property developers circulating just as she's starting to grow closer to Oscar and finally feeling at home, can Katie find the recipe to make her Cornish Kitchen a success?

Escape to Cornwall in this heartwarming romance - perfect for fans of Julie Caplin, Phillipa Ashley and Debbie Johnson.

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This has been on my TBR pile for quite some time now. For some reason I kept on pushing it further back in my pile and once I started reading it, I had no idea why. I've never read a novel by this author before but the cover blew me away and made me want to read it. I love the ombre sky with all the pretty flowers surrounding it, and then the house right on the beach is just beautiful.

The story itself was really interesting and I'm glad I decided to give this read a go. The style of writing reminded me heavily of Daisy James, who is another go-to author of mine. It's a quirky style of writing, but one that I can't stop reading! So, onto the storyline itself. We follow Katie, who has just had a devastating break-up from ex-fiance Dominic. She flies to Bali to lick her wounds and there is where she meets Agatha who helps non-privileged children to learn basic skills which will help them in their future. Agatha used to own a cafe in Cornwall and decides that she doesn't ever want to leave Bali so gives Katie the keys and asks her to run it for her. And if it ever makes any profit, to send some back to her so she can continue to help those in need.

Katie arrives at the cafe and realises she has her work cut out as it's been sitting empty for over 6 months. However, not long after Katie even had her foot in the door did property developer Greg wrestle his way in and demand to know where Agatha is so he can purchase the property and turn it into a holiday complex. Soon, next door neighbour and artist Oscar comes to the rescue and Katie and Oscar get on like a house on fire.

There were some times in the novel where it got a bit repetitive about Katie's 'demons' and how she cleans to get rid of them and there are also some moments in this book that I found to be a little cringe-worthy and slightly unrealistic but it was a nice, lighthearted novel which I did enjoy and shall look out for more novels by this author in the future. The characters were all unique and eccentric (especially Talia, although she was a firm favourite of mine in the end!) and I really liked reading about the themed-nights and their relationships.

Overall, a light and easy read. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay by Katie Ginger

Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay

Katie Ginger

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Hetty Colman loves her life in the cosy seaside town of Swallowtail Bay, organising children's birthdays, anniversaries and retirement parties. But after her recent break up from long-term boyfriend Ben, she's been searching for something new.

So, when Hetty overhears locals wondering how to return the old strawberry festival to its former glory, she jumps at the chance to relaunch it. There are just two problems - she only has four weeks to organise it and absolutely no where to host it!

When Hetty manages to convince the aloof, yet extremely handsome, John Thornhill to use the grounds of his rundown manor, things start to look up. But as Hetty and John grow closer and Ben tries to win back her affections, can Hetty make the festival and her love life run smoothly at the same time?

Fans of Rachael Lucas, Cathy Bramley and Jenny Colgan will fall in love with this hilarious summer read from Katie Ginger!

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I'm not going to lie, I have been so looking forward to reading another novel by Katie Ginger ever since I read the first book in this series. I absolutely loved it so I couldn't wait to read this one. The cover is so pretty and eye-catching and I love the strawberries and sweat treats that are lined along the bottom! And of course the bright blue sea and colourful bunting gives it a summery vibe. However, it did take me a little while to get into.

I'm not sure why because the location of this book is just perfect. I love the sound of the shops, cafe's as well as the beach and the pub, but I just found it a little slow at first. I didn't fully relate nor warm to Hetty and John at first and this was probably because of all the formalities at their meetings, it just seemed a little bit too high and mighty for my liking. However, once the meetings got out the way, I started to enjoy the storyline a bit more.

Once the story got going, I started to like the characters a little better and was starting to look forward to the food festival myself! It sounded like it was going to be amazing, especially with the funfair and the film screening. I could understand why John was the way he was, he was under a lot of financial and home stress so of course he was going to be a little standoffish. I wasn't a huge fan of his family, they all seemed quite stuck up and quite rude, especially Felix.

What I found a little confusing was Hetty's relationship woes. It was clear for me to see that she had feelings for John, the way she felt a sizzle every time she saw him made it pretty obvious! But, she also still had feelings for ex-boyfriend Ben, who has his own bakery in the bay. I wasn't a huge fan of Ben, simply because he seemed so sure of himself and sometimes just plain cocky. I'm not sure what Hetty see in him, but when he came up to her and was convinced they would get back together, it made me go right off him!

Overall, this was a lighthearted read but unfortunately wasn't my favourite by this author, I'm not sure what it was but it just didn't really hold my attention. I am looking forward to reading her other novels however, as I really enjoyed the first Swallowtail Bay book. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Blog Tour: Summer at Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts

Summer at Rachel's Pudding Pantry

Caroline Roberts

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

The Pudding Pantry opens its doors for summer.

And there are wedding bells on the horizon . . .

Escape with the gorgeous new novel in the Pudding Pantry series.

The sun is shining as Rachel and her gorgeous beau Tom, prepare to tie the knot at Primrose Farm.

It takes a village to pull off the perfect country wedding and Rachel couldn't be more grateful for her friends and family as they roll out the hay-bales and string up the bunting - all she needs to do is focus on her Happy Ever After.

But no wedding is without drama. A face from the past is looking to stir up trouble in the village and there's a secret following Rachel all the way up the aisle . . .

With old friends, new promises and a little borrowed time, will Rachel get the wedding of her dreams?

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Caroline lives in the wonderful Northumberland countryside with her husband, and has two children and a lively spaniel. She credits the sandy beaches, castles and rolling hills around her as inspiration for her novels. She enjoys writing about relationships; stories of friendship, love, loss and family, that explore how beautiful and sometimes complex love can be.

She believes in striving for your dreams, which after many years of writing led her to a publishing deal (yippee!) with her heart-wrenching novel The Desperate Wife and The Cosy Teashop in the Castle, a romantic comedy which became a Kindle bestseller. Summer at Rachel's Pudding Pantry is the third book in her latest series, set on a farm in beautiful rural Northumberland with cakes and bakes galore.

A slice of cake, glass of bubbly, and a cup of tea, would make her day - preferably served with friends!

If you'd like to find out more about Caroline, visit her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and her blog - she'd love to hear from you!

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website

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Words cannot describe just how amazingly good this book is. It was an absolute pleasure being back at Primrose Farm with Rachel, little Maisy and of course lovely Jill. The cover of this book is probably my favourite of the whole series. I love the bright colours used, the confetti, the bunting and of course the flowers. It all ties in really well and looks so beautiful.

As the same as the other novels, this story focuses on Rachel and her life on Primrose Farm. Firstly, can I just say that I have absolutely no idea how she does everything and not collapse with exhaustion?! Rachel looks after the farm, runs the tea pantry, bakes in her spare time for the pantry, is a single mum to little Maisy, she also has a budding new romance with Tom which she is trying to keep going andddddd plan a wedding!! I mean, just how exhausting does that sound?! My hat goes off to her, because I certainly wouldn't be able to do what she does.

What is slightly different with this book is that we also see some chapters from best friend Eve's point of view. Eve is going through her own troubles, being married to Ben for years she feels that their relationship is starting to feel a little stagnant and that he sees her crafting job as just a little 'hobby'. So, when Eve goes to craft fairs to get business, she meets artist Aiden and falls for him. It was really refreshing and interesting to read more about Eve and what she decides to do. I was happy with how things turned out for her as she seemed like such a lovely and bubbly character who deserves a happy ending!

Although this novel is a follow on from the others, I would say you could easily read it as a standalone but I would urge you to read the others first so you can really enjoy and appreciate the storyline and all of the wonderful characters! This book was like a warm hug, I adored the descriptions of the bakes and yummy food from the Pantry - it seriously made my mouth water! - and I enjoyed reading about Rachel planning her wedding. This book was a breath of fresh air, it was wonderfully captivating and enjoyable.

Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Sun, Sea and Sangria by Victoria Cooke

Sun, Sea and Sangria

Victoria Cooke

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Kat swore off dating many years ago, after her marriage ended in a catastrophic mess. Having moved to the Canary Islands for a fresh start, she has never had much time for romance, channelling all her energy into managing an all-male dance troupe - the Heavenly Hunks.

With golden beaches, sparkling blue water and relaxing after work with a glass of sangria - or three - for Kat, it's summer all year round.

But despite life being postcard-perfect, Kat can't help but wonder if she is missing out on the most important thing of all . . . love.

The dancers are well known for their flirtatious antics and aren't looking for anything serious . . . except Jay.

Handsome, caring and a good listener, he ignites a fire in Kat's heart that scares her witless. But her relationship with Jay should stay strictly professional . . . right?

As the temperature rises, will Kat be able to take the plunge, let go of her past and find romance in paradise?

Fans of As Greek as It Gets, Sunrise Over Sapphire Bay, and My Greek Island Summer will love Victoria Cooke!

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The cover and description of this book completely drew me in. I needed some sunshine and romance in my life and this fit the bill perfectly. I've enjoyed quite a few novels by Victoria Cooke before so I was eager to get stuck into this one by her, as it includes all the things I love most - Sunshine, romance and of course - COCKTAILS!

This book started off quite slowly I'll be honest. When the description said that it was all about golden beaches, cocktails galore etc and I was reading about dance routines in bars, I was a little bored and was hoping it would get going. Luckily, the more I read the more I started enjoying it. I liked Kat, she wasn't my most relatable character but she had been through a lot with a controlling ex-husband so I really felt for her and what she had been through.

What I didn't really understand at first was that when Jay came onto the scene, Kat started telling him all her woes when they'd only known each other a day or so, so that felt a bit rushed to me and the death of her school-friend kind of seemed a little irrelevant to the overall storyline (sorry I know that sounds harsh!). However, as I mentioned above the story soon got better and soon I was dying to know what was going to happen next! Whether Kat would get together with Alonso or whether she would get closer to Jay and if they won the competition!

It was an exciting novel in the end, and I did love the location as well as the overall storyline. The dancers all seemed really nice and had their own quirks and there are some laugh out loud moments that made me want to read on. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Little Shop in Cornwall by Helen Pollard

The Little Shop in Cornwall

Helen Pollard

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Claudia thought she knew how this summer was going to go. Turns out, she didn't have a clue...

It's been two years since Claudia arrived on the beautifully rugged Cornish coast with nothing but a suitcase to her name. She'd walked out on the husband who had never loved her, ditched the corporate job she'd never wanted and vowed that no gym membership card would come within ten feet of her ever again.

Swapping boardrooms and cocktails for a little shop right at the end of the beach roach should have been a bit of a shock. But from the moment she first laid eyes on the empty, run-down store, Claudia knew this was where she was meant to be all along.

After all the upheaval, Claudia was looking forward to a quiet summer, full of the usual holiday makers and long walks along the clifftops. But life in her patch of paradise is about to change in more ways than one.

Enter recently widowed Jason, dragging his sullen teenage daughter Millie in tow. Millie and Claudia immediately hit it off. And while Millie loves everything about Claudia's free-spirited way of life, practical architect Jason is less than thrilled with his daughter's new interests. He doesn't shy away from telling Claudia exactly what he thinks and sparks fly every time they meet.

But as circumstances throw Claudia into Jason's path in increasingly unexpected ways, she begins to glimpse what lies beneath his fiery temper and sharp tongue. Claudia was sure her new life was perfect in every way. But was there something missing after all?

The perfect summer holiday escape, full of warmth, humour and heart. Fans of Sarah Morgan, Cathy Bramley and Phillipa Ashley will be charmed by this seaside romance.

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I think you just know when you first start a book whether you are going to enjoy it or not. And that's what happened with me with this novel. As soon as I started reading the first page of the Prologue, I knew I was going to love it. I haven't read a novel by Helen Pollard in sooooo long so I couldn't wait to read this one. I absolutely adored her La Cour de Roses series which was set in France. So to be reading another novel by this author felt really great and I was excited to get stuck in!

This was such a refreshing read. It's about main character Claudia who has opened her own New Age shop in Cornwall after a tough divorce with her ex-husband. After wanting to get as far away as possible from her ex-husband, she decides that Cornwall is the perfect place to move to with its beautiful scenery and sea. Claudia works hard in her shop to learn about everything she sells. She offers meditation classes for free, does yoga everyday and is generally happy with the new life she has set up for herself.

That is until, Jason arrives on the scene with daughter Millie. Jason and Millie have been through some terrible heartache that made me well up with emotion on more than one occasion. Claudia can sense that they have broken souls and so tries to help them out, and in the process, she realises she has fallen in love with Jason. Jason is possibly the most different type of person from herself that she could find. He doesn't believe in what she practices and turns his nose up at half the stuff she does or says. However, the pair soon grow close because of their love of Millie and the beautiful setting of Cornwall brings them together.

This was a fabulous novel that I loved reading. I loved reading about the drama with Hester's Cauldron and felt sorry for Claudia with what she was going through. There was a bit of mystery there with Alice too and I wondered more than once whether that would amount to anything. It was a great read and I loved every page. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

In Case You Missed It by Lindsey Kelk

In Case You Missed It

Lindsey Kelk

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

What if Mr Right was right in front of you all along?
The hilarious new rom-com from the Sunday Times bestselling author - available to pre-order now!

When Ros comes home after three years away, she's ready to pick up with life exactly where she left it. But her friends have moved on, her parents have rekindled their romance, and her bedroom is now a garden shed. All of a sudden, she's swept up in nostalgia for the way things were.

Then her phone begins to ping, with messages from her old life. Including one number she thought she'd erased for good - the man who broke her heart. Is this her second chance at one big love? Sometimes we all want to see what we've been missing...


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I've read only a few novels by Lindsey Kelk but I have really enjoyed them so I was looking forward to getting stuck into this one. The cover is simple and doesn't give anything away but the bright colours really make it stand out and it looks so pretty! Also, wasn't sure on the title of the novel but again as I mentioned before I couldn't wait to read it!

This one was absolutely brilliant. I love Lindsey's easy humour, her novels are so easy and enjoyable to read and I felt like I flew through the pages. Laughing at Ros' attempts at romance and the adventures she has with her friends. There are some real laugh-out-loud moments in this book, such as a certain sushi situation that took place between Ros' parents. I also loved Ros' mum, she seemed like such a fun character! All of the characters I liked really. I kind of knew what was going to happen throughout, but there were other moments that I had no clue what was going to happen and the end result made me laugh!

This novel is set in London, with main character Ros who has just moved back from Washington where she has just lost her job. Since she has moved back in with her parents, everything doesn't seem the same as before. She feels her friends have moved on with their lives, her mum and dad have even got a romantic spark that wasn't there before. So, when Patrick comes back into her life, it seemed like all her dreams had come true - as Patrick was the one who got away and Ros believes she's still madly in love with him. But, everything isn't the same as before and Ros learns the hard way that everything happens for a reason and the past is the past for a reason.

It's a great, lighthearted novel. I loved all of Ros' friends, her parents, the easy humour. It was just a really lovely read. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

A Sunset in Sydney by Sandy Barker

A Sunset in Sydney

Sandy Barker

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

How far would you go in the name of love?

Sarah Parsons has a choice ahead of her. After the trip of a lifetime she's somehow returned home with TWO handsome men wanting to whisk her way into the sunset.

Pulled in two directions across the globe, it's making life trickier than it sounds. Her gorgeous American Josh, wants to meet Sarah in Hawaii for a holiday to remember. Meanwhile silver fox James plans to wine and dine her in London.

It's a lot to handle for this Aussie girl, who had totally sworn off men!

Join Sarah after her adventure in One Summer in Santorini, for the heart-warming and uplifting third novel in The Holiday Romance series.

Travel to beautiful destinations with old friends and new in this gorgeous romantic novel perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Sue Roberts.

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How lovely it is to be back with Sarah and her love triangle! How would it feel to have not just one, but two men in love with you and wanting to be with you and whisk you off for lovely holidays! I have enjoyed Sandy's other novels very much and I couldn't wait to read this one as well. The cover really stood out to me, I adore the colour of the sky and the Sydney Opera House taking centre stage. It really is a stunning cover and made me want to delve straight in!

As mentioned, this story follows main character Sarah as she makes her journey towards deciding who she prefers out of Josh and James. Both men are very different. Josh being young, American and quite care-free, and James being older, English and very, very rich. This novel has laugh-out-loud moments (like when the bellboy walked in on Sarah in Hawaii) and I really found myself wanting to read this novel more and more as the story went on. Sarah is really rather fond of both of her lovers, and simply cannot decide who she prefers. Of course, the main issue is location (with them both being half way around the world from her) and other issues being age as well as class.

It's a fantastically refreshing, enjoyable and lighthearted novel which is a perfect easy read, especially in these uncertain times. We get to read about a lot of the world including beautiful Hawaii and New Zealand as well as a lot of scrumptious descriptions of the food that Sarah gets to enjoy on her various trips. I also enjoyed how there are three parts of the book, as it makes it easier to understand just where abouts Sarah is. The style of writing is simply and really nice to read. I just really loved this novel. I can't wait to read more by Sandy in the future.

Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Summer on Seashell Island by Sophie Pembroke

Summer on Seashell Island

Sophie Pembroke

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

All you need is one summer to change your life...

Miranda Waters has always loved Seashell Island - while her brother and sister escaped it as soon as they were old enough. So when Miranda is left in charge of her parents' Lighthouse B&B for the summer, the last thing she expects is her wayward siblings showing up at the door, seeking sanctuary.

It's been years since they've all lived under the same roof. Now, they're facing a whole summer together - and a crisis for the B&B and Seashell Island. With the Lighthouse filled with people - including two imaginative nieces, a four piece folk-rock band, and an unruly llama - and a lifetime of secrets between them, can the Waters siblings work together to save their home before it's too late?

This summer it's time to discover that home really is where the heart is, and what family really means...

The perfect summer holiday romance for fans of Heidi Swain, Phillipa Ashley and Sarah Morgan

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I don't believe I've ever read a novel by this author but I was looking forward to giving it a go. The cover is simple but pretty and it caught my eye. I love the little Lucy (Lucifer) the llama which makes an appearance! It's really summery and I adore the bright colours.

So, the story follows three main characters. The three siblings - Miranda, who is the eldest, Leo, and Juliet who is the youngest. Each 'chapter' focuses on a different sibling and talks about what their thoughts and feelings are. The three siblings have been through an equally horrible amount of heartache, all for different reasons.

At first I felt really sorry for Miranda, because the way the author described it, it was like neither of her siblings liked her because she was so set in her ways. Yes, she did have a couple of annoying tendencies but when you scratch away at the surface you get to see why she is the way she is and why she likes things a certain way. I think I connected to Juliet's story the most though. I was just so intrigued as to what she was going to do that I was looking forward to reading her part of the story. It was Leo that fascinated me the least, maybe because of his male character, I'm not so sure.

The location of this novel sounded beautiful, a small island just off the Welsh coast that is usually brimming with tourists in the summer months, however in recent years there seemed to be a dip in visitors and the three family members have to find out what is happening exactly with their parents Lighthouse B&B. I loved reading about all three siblings and how, nearer the end of the book, they all came together and realised how important family is.

Overall, a really enjoyable and lighthearted novel. I really enjoyed it and shall be looking out for more novels by this author in future. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

A Forget-Me-Not Summer by Sophie Claire

A Forget-Me-Not Summer

Sophie Claire

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

*Previously published as Her Forget-Me-Not Ex*

The cosy and charming second novel from Sophie Claire, author of The Christmas Holiday. A perfect read for fans of Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley!

It's taken years, but Natasha Brown's life is finally on track. Running a florists in the quaint village of Willowbrook, she's put her short-lived marriage to Luc Duval far behind her. That is, until he unexpectedly walks through her shop door, three years after their divorce.

Luc reveals that he never told his family about their split, and now his father is desperately ill and demanding to meet Natasha. Luc needs her to come to France and pretend they're still happily married. Natasha is horrified, but when Luc makes her an offer she can't refuse, reluctantly packs her bags.

The deal is two weeks on a vineyard with his family, but will Luc and Natasha be able to play the perfect couple after years apart? And in the glorious Provence sun, will the old spark between them be impossible to ignore?

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I don't think I could quite possibly put into words just how much I enjoyed this novel. I don't believe I've ever read a book by Sophie Claire before but wow I will definitely be looking out for more of her novels in future! The cover didn't exactly blow me away, but when I read that this story was set in the beautiful location of Provence, I just knew I had to give it a read. What I didn't know was just how much I would love it!

The story follows main characters Natasha and Luc, who were once married and had been through one of the most awful experiences and pain imaginable. The couple were distant with each other and Natasha soon left and built a business and life for herself in Willowbrook. I wasn't keen on Luc at first because of what he had put Natasha through and how cold he was. Even when they get to France he still springs surprises on Natasha and to me it just seemed he was really self-centred and childish. However, when we get to read the story from Luc's point of view, it made me realise that he too had been through the heartbreak and made me warm to him a little more.

The location of the novel sounded idyllic. I love novels set in France anyway but this was off the scale. The descriptions made me feel as though I was actually there on the Duval's vineyard, surrounded by the juicy grapes and the scent of flowers enveloping me. I loved all of Luc's family, they seemed so lovely, kind and so family-orientated which I found very heartwarming. The storyline had me gripped from the start and I was so intrigued to find out what happened between Luc and Natasha and whether they would reconnect and retry with their relationship.

Overall, a lovely sunshiney read with heartwarming and heartbreaking topics. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

JoJo's French Escape by Lorraine Wilson

JoJo's French Escape

Lorraine Wilson

Rating: 3.5 stars

Amazon UK

Imagine yourself in beautiful France with the sun warm on your face and a glass of wine in your hand... JoJo's French Escape is the perfect summer read!

Trapped in paradise...

For twelve months JoJo Grant has been hiding from a secret too shameful to share. And whilst her sanctuary might be the beautiful French countryside, JoJo has a horrible feeling that her peace is about to be shattered... because bursting into her life is the hottest celebrity chef around - Callum O'Connor.

Callum knows all about JoJo's past, her time as a reality star, the scandal that has dogged her, but he isn't sure why she's still hiding. After spending time with JoJo, it's obvious to him that she has nothing to be ashamed of - she just needs to be a little braver...

But as much as JoJo likes Callum, he thrives on the glare of the outside world. Can JoJo let go of her past...with Callum by her side?

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I couldn't wait to delve straight into this beautiful looking and sounding novel by Lorraine Wilson. The cover is utterly spellbinding with its bright blue sky and rows upon rows of beautiful yellow sunflowers. I adore it! It's so summery and inviting. I also couldn't wait to give it a read because of the sound of the synopsis, I love books set in France and was so excited to read all about JoJo's life and what she has been hiding from.

As mentioned above this novel focuses on JoJo, even though we do hear about other characters from Lorraine's past novels, it's all about her comeback from the worst and lowest point of her life. Although it mentions Poppy and Leo and what they are getting up to now, it could easily be read as a standalone as it's mainly about JoJo's journey to happiness and learning to love again.

At first I was a bit unsure of JoJo, I knew what she had been through as the author describes it but she seemed really negative and depressed about everything even though she landed on her feet with Poppy and working at the Guesthouse. Even though I understand the reason she is feeling so down, the pages and constant paragraphs discussing it got a little tedious after a while and when JoJo once again went back to thinking about her issue, I started to skip paragraphs.

Having said this, when we aren't discussing JoJo's nightmare it really is a good book. I love reading about France and where they visit and of course reading about the Guesthouse itself and about JoJo and Callum. The chemistry between them is sizzling and boy is this a very sexual book! Maybe a bit too much for my liking but it certainly is sizzling and enjoyable at some points.

Overall, a nice easy read. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley which I have reviewed honestly.

The Waffle House on the Pier by Tilly Tennant

The Waffle House on the Pier

Tilly Tennant

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Run away to Sea Salt Bay, where the sand is warm and soft, the sea is a perfect blue, and a candy-coloured waffle house is about to change Sadie's life...

For as long as she can remember, Sadie's grandparents have run the waffle house on the pier at Sea Salt Bay. With its pretty painted chairs, sweet smells, and the warm advice of her beloved grandparents, the waffle house is like a second home.

But when Sadie's grandfather dies, leaving her grandmother without an anchor, Sadie must make a difficult decision. She quits her job and moves back home, determined to keep things going. The trouble is, she knows nothing about running a business, and learning a million miles an hour with a shop full of hungry people isn't easy. When she nearly burns the waffle house down, she has to admit she needs to get some help.

Her ex-boyfriend Declan promises to be there for her but Sadie worries that getting too close is a mistake - especially as he has a new girlfriend now. And anyway she's just met newcomer Luke, with his gorgeous suntan and mellow voice...

Sadie's family have always loved Declan and they're not too sure about Luke, leaving Sadie unsure which way to turn. A terrible accident at sea forces her to look into her heart, but what if it's already too late to tell the right man that she loves him?

If you love stolen kisses under the pier, walking along spray-capped shores eating ice cream, and books by Lucy Diamond, Jill Mansell and Jenny Colgan, you will fall in love with this romantic, heart-breaking read.

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I couldn't wait to dive into this gorgeous new novel by Tilly Tennant. I've been a fan of her novels for a long time now, they always leave you feeling positive and uplifted. The cover is possibly my favourite of Tilly's, the bright beautiful colours, the pretty Waffle House, the stars in the sky and the pretty coloured fairy lights make such a beautiful cover and really catches the eye.

The story follows main character Sadie, who has an issue on her hands. Sadie's grandpa dies suddenly and leaves her grandma, April, looking after their family Waffle House business that's been open as long as Sadie can remember. Sadie is heartbroken to learn that her family have decided to put it up for sale, so she packs in her teacher training and re-opens the eatery with her grandma, but all isn't what it seems at first.

April seems to be getting ever more forgetful and Sadie is worried. When April locks Sadie in the Waffle House one evening and goes wandering off down the promenade, that's the final straw in their families eyes and they make Sadie withdraw her help in the restaurant. However, during all of this, Sadie's ex Declan makes an appearance on the scene and so does newcomer Luke and Sadie must decide which one of the two men she truly loves.

The location of the novel sounded absolutely delightful. The descriptions of the sea, the sand and the other eateries and amusement arcades left me wishing to live in such a place! The characters as well were also really relatable and I found myself taking a liking to most of them. Sadie seemed a bit childish at first, and I wasn't too keen on Luke but the more I read the more I enjoyed.

Overall, a happy, bubbly and romantic read. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgally, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Little Village of New Starts by Donna Ashcroft

The Little Village of New Starts

Donna Ashcroft

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Sometimes turning everything upside down feels just right...

Evie Stuart is playing it safe. She lives on her family's remote farm in the Scottish Highlands and never ventures beyond the local village of Lockton. The most unpredictable events in her life are the antics of Miss Daisy, her grandmother Agnes's pygmy goat. She's learned that bad things happen when she's impulsive, and she's determined not to get burned again.

Callum Ryder is exactly the opposite of what Evie wants in her ordered world. Six foot two of reckless energy with twinkling eyes and a dangerously charming smile, he's a trill-seeking American firefighter with no idea how to slow down. Callum enters Lockton like a whirlwind, fleeing his problems in New York City in search of the truth about his Scottish family.

Yet the pair might have more in common than they think... When the well-meaning Agnes persuades her to help Callum find his grandfather, Evie finds herself being challenged more than she has in years: from swimming in the fabled Bonnie Lochan to exploring an ancient castle and even entering the village jam-making competitions. Turns out it's easy for Evie and Callum to connect when they let go of their fears and enjoy the most surprising summer of their lives.

But getting close to Callum soon starts to look like it might ruin everything for Evie: she's heading for a disaster exactly like the one that destroyed her a year ago when she fell for the wrong man and let him change her life. Maybe a fresh start isn't going to be so simple after all... Is the safe haven Evie's built about to crumble down around her?

A totally charming and moving story about being true to yourself, the power of new beginnings, and one magical summer that changes everything. Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson, Carolyn Brown and Phillipa Ashley.

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I was really looking forward to reading this new novel by Donna Ashcroft. The cover caught my eye immediately and just looked so inviting that I couldn't wait to dive in and start reading all about Evie and Callum. In particular I love the ombre sunset sky and the colourful flowers along the top of the cover.

As mentioned this story focuses on Callum and Evie's life and relationship. Both of the characters had been heartbroken but in very different ways. Callum has come over from New York for 4 weeks to try and find his grandfather who he believes lives in Lockton, in the Highlands, which is where Evie's families farm is situated. Evie has decided to hide out on her parents farm for the foreseeable future after being humiliated by the man who she thought was The One.

The pair join forces when Callum asks Evie for her help to find his grandfather, and I believe he's in for the shock of his life when he finds out who it is! I must admit, I had a bit of an inkling about 30% into the novel as to who it could be but the book kept you guessing and on the edge of your seat wanting to find out who the mystery grandfather could be.

I did enjoy this novel, it was quite emotional in places and not all that lighthearted but it was a pleasant read nonetheless. I took a while to warm to Evie, as her character seemed quite cold on more than one occasion, however the more you read about her past the more you understand why she acts like she does and why she finds it so hard to trust anyone. Callum, again I wasn't sure on at the start. Simply because of his background and what he had been through himself. Even so, I believe I liked his character more than Evie as he seemed so kind and fun.

Overall, a nice book to read to pass the time. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

The Cornish Cream Tea Summer by Cressida McLaughlin

The Cornish Cream Tea Summer

Cressida McLaughlin

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Charlie has a new helper on her bus, her free-spirited and loveable cousin, Delilah, who's paid a visit to the charming Cornish village of Porthgolow and is helping out on Charlie's adorable cream tea bus. When the Director of a new TV series filming further along the coast tells Delilah that the bus would be the perfect addition to their onsite catering, she takes him a bit too literally. Charlie and Delilah find themselves caught up in the filming of a lavish period drama and it isn't long before Delilah finds herself drawn to the handsome male lead.

But Delilah has made a habit of making rash decisions and it's one of the reasons she's hiding out in Cornwall. Could this be one impulsive step too far, or is a change of direction the start of something quite unexpected...

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I really, really love Cressida McLaughlin's novels. They're easy, enjoyable and fun reads that I just cannot stop reading! I loved this cover. It's sunshiney, full of colour and it makes me want to visit a place like that! Especially with the friendly locals and of course the food festivals! I love the bunting, the choppy, blue waters and the colourful beach huts. It makes such a pretty cover and draws you in completely.

In this novel, we follow Charlie's cousin Delilah (we read about Charlie in Cressida's previous novel but you don't need to have read that to understand what happens in this book), as she journeys down to Cornwall for a break away from London and her usual life. What I enjoy about this book is that there's the involvement from characters from Cressida's other book and I love that it kind of carries on from there. However this novel definitely focuses more on Delilah.

Delilah is a fun and interesting character, who seems to have some wild ways which is why she has come down to Cornwall in the first place. It was quite an intriguing start of what I knew was going to be another great novel. I really liked the fact that they were on a film set, it made it unputdownable as I just wanted to read more about the goings on on set. The baked good, as usual, made my mouth water and sounded absolutely delightful. In particular I liked the Cream Tea Bus Tour. 

Overall, it's a fun, easy read that I loved. It has kind and caring characters, as well as some quite eccentric actors and the location sounded idyllic. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop by Ali McNamara

Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop

Ali McNamara

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Kate thinks all her wishes have come true when she opens her little craft shop down on the harbour in the pretty Cornish seaside town of St Felix.

It's been her life-long dream to open her own shop, and now she's finally got the chance, she's loving selling her own quirky handmade textile designs to the many holidaymakers that flock into St Felix every year.

But there's a mystery about Kate's shop - one that Jack, the owner of a new art store in town, wants to help Kate solve. A series of mysterious paintings and beautiful embroidered pictures hint at a love story over sixty years old, but Kate needs to know how the story ends!

As Kate and Jack delve deeper into the vintage romance, they find that not only do their own lives share uncanny similarities with their 1950s counterparts, but also the two of them are becoming closer.

But as the two couples' stories unfold over six decades apart, can Kate and Jack put right a wrong that's remained a secret since the 1950s. and will both couples end up with the happy ending they truly deserve?

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Another gorgeous novel by Ali McNamara with a spellbinding twist. This novel gripped me from the start and I couldn't wait to find out more about what (and why) was happening to Jack and Kate. The cover is utterly gorgeous, with it's pastel colours, bright blue sea and the flowers. I enjoyed every page, the ending gave me shivers!

The book follows Kate, who has moved to the beautiful harbour town of St Felix with her daughter Molly. She opens a craft shop and does a good trade, selling her own handmade goods as well as goods from the other ladies in the town. So when newcomer Jack, arrives in the town and opens an art supplies shop, she is suitably peeved.

Jack is a mystery in itself. One moment he's nice and is quite humorous and then the next he clams up, however he is quite within his right as he had been through a fair amount of pain and heartbreak over the years and opening up his shop appears to be his therapy. Kate and Jack's relationship is like a rollercoaster. One moment up, the next they aren't speaking. It's clear to see however that there is a spark between them and the pair get on well, despite their clashes.

So when they both receive antique pieces of art equipment, such as an old easel and a sewing machine from a recent house clearing and mysterious artworks keep appearing, the pair decide that to find out what's happening, they must work together and the result is quite astonishing. This novel is full of magic and love, from both the present time and the 1950s. It was heartwarming and such an enjoyable read.

The characters seemed like such kind and caring people and the location of St Felix sounded beautiful. There are characters from some of Ali McNamara's other novels and it was nice that they made their appearances in this one, but you do not have to have read the other books to understand what is happening in this one. It's an easy and light read and I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Escape to the French Farmhouse by Jo Thomas

Escape to the French Farmhouse

Jo Thomas

Rating: 4 stars

Amazon UK

Can she find her recipe for happiness?

Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they're packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier... a new life in France - without Ollie.

Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? Discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness?

A heart-warming tale about reclaiming your life, set amongst the lavender fields of Provence. Perfect escapism from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and The Honey Farm on the Hill.

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Jo Thomas will always be one of my favourite authors, I love her style of writing and as always her beautiful cover has drew me in. As well as the cover, the blurb sounded idyllic - France and baking, what more could you want?

This one took a little longer than usual to get into. At first I wasn't sure where it was going to go but the more I read the more I adored Del and what she was doing for herself. She was all alone in France, after refusing to go back to a lifeless marriage and the UK with husband Ollie and she wanted to start a new life in the lovely Provence. If that's not brave I don't know what is!

When Stephanie and Tomas came into the story, again I was a little unsure. Stephanie seemed so ungrateful and quite rude that I took a mild dislike to her character. However, again the more I read about her and her life the more I warmed to her. It is certainly an inspiring novel for new beginnings and starting afresh. Fabian was another lovely character, he helped out those in need so how could you not love him? I can see why Del was so attracted to him!

Of course, one character I loved was Henri. He seemed so kind and genuine that you couldn't help warming to his character. He runs the cute little bistro just out of the centre of town and was kind enough to give Del an opportunity to earn money. He also helped out Stephanie and Tomas before Del stepped in. Del's life sounded perfect, even though it was far from it. I loved the use of lavender she put into her bakes, and also the location of the novel. It sounded beautiful.

Overall, a bit of a slow start but in the end I found myself loving it. It has some deep references but all in all it's a lighthearted novel. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

A Perfect Cornish Escape by Phillipa Ashley

A Perfect Cornish Escape

Phillipa Ashley

Rating: 5 stars

Amazon UK

Escape to Cornwall this summer...

Summer in Cornwall is the perfect time for a fresh start...

Seven years ago, Marina Hudson's husband was lost at sea. She vowed to love him forever - but when kind-hearted Lachlan arrives in Porthmellow, should she deny herself another chance at happiness?

Tiff Trescott was living life to the full as a journalist in London - until her boyfriend's betrayal brought it all crashing down. Fleeing to her cousin Marina's cottage, Tiff feels like a fish out of water. And when brooding local Dirk wins a day with her at a charity auction, she's thrown headfirst into Cornish life.

This summer promises new beginnings for both Tiff and Marina. But are they too good to be true?

Escape to Cornwall with this emotional, uplifting read. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Trisha Ashley.

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I do love Phillipa Ashley's feel-good Cornwall-based novels. I always have a strong urge to visit these type of places when I read them! The cover is cute and pretty. I like the bright colours and the simplicity of it. It doesn't give much away but it's good on the eye and draws you in - well it certainly drew me in anyway!

This novel focuses on two main characters. Cousins Tiff and Marina. Marina is more reserved than Tiff and I found myself warming to her more than I did for Tiff. She had been through so much with her late-husband Nate and I just really wanted her to have a happy ending with Lachlan, who had also been through a horrible time. I was hoping from the start that the small community events would push them together and they would both lose their heartache and enjoy their lives.

Tiff had also had a heartbreaking time recently but less so than Marina. She had found out that her ex, Warner, was using her in a plot to discredit her, and the newspaper she worked for, public image. So, with her tail between her legs she decided to move in with Marina for a while until she had her confidence back. However, she soon meets Dirk and even though she finds him absolutely infuriating, she also finds him incredibly attractive and sparks soon fly between them.

Both women have had a horrible time of it recently, but it appears the little harbour town of Porthmellow soon helps to heal their heartache and puts them in a happier place. The setting is absolutely idyllic and will have you wishing to live in Cornwall. The characters, which have been in previous Phillipa Ashley novels, are all lovely, friendly and caring.

Overall, a happy, heartwarming novel by the lovely Phillipa Ashley. I loved every page, every character and every storyline and setting. This novel is hard to put down and I believe that every book I read of this author, they just get better. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.